Welcome to motherhood! By now you may have realized that there is much to consider and even more to learn as a new mother, specifically when it comes to breastfeeding. We, new moms, must be more careful about what we put into our bodies, we must be patient, and we have to learn to be prepared.
Most American babies are fed formula at some point, even though breast milk may be the best food choice. Some moms start breastfeeding and may eventually fall off track due to several factors including lack of time, discomfort, and busy schedule.
Check out this list of 6 ways to prep your body and your home for breastfeeding. We hope that it helps you stay ahead of the game.
For Your Body
1. Consider Placenta Encapsulation
Placenta encapsulation is looked at as a “new wave” of breastfeeding supplements, but testimonies have shown that digesting your placenta after birth has some benefits to your milk supply. Some of these possible benefits include an increase in milk production and a restoration of iron levels. It also helps ward off postpartum depression and speeds up recovery time.
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2. Invest in Lots of Nipple Butter
When your baby is feeding around the clock, you have to imagine what that is doing to your body, your nipples to be exact. After a while, they can become dry, cracked and start to peel. Keep them moisturized with baby-safe nipple cream or butter to help alleviate some pain.
3. Get Comfortable and Accessible Nursing Clothing
This may be your most important step yet! If you don’t shop for anything else for yourself, shop for this. Invest in stretchy nursing bras, easy-access nightgowns, and nursing dresses so you won’t have any excuse not to breastfeed at 2 am.
For Your Home
1. Get a Quality Breastfeeding Pillow
It’s not stressed enough but having a quality breastfeeding pillow will make a huge difference in how long you’ll let your little one feed. Remember, the comfortability of the mom will reflect the comfortability of the baby.
2. Prep Your Nightstand
Load up your nightstand with healthy snacks, drinking water, nipple creams, burp cloths, and whatever else you’ll need throughout the night for the little one and you. The less you have to move around or search for things at the crack of dawn, the easier it will be for you to continue breastfeeding.
3. Find Your Comfort Place
We all have that one place where we feel more at ease. It could be your bed loaded with pillows, your rocking chair, or your couch. Where ever it is, be sure to prep this place as well before the baby comes to ensure everything is in place as you would like it to be. This means your special place is clean, there's nothing in sight to irk you, and it's stocked up with all your breastfeeding essentials.
Tia Muhammad, BS, is an award-winning freelance content & media creative, copywriter, blogger, digital designer, and marketing consultant. She owns the boutique content and digital media company, jackieGLDN|studio.
